Cherrygrove Streets
Jimmy was leading James to the beach which held a great deal of promise as a training ground. This was especially the case since it seems like the other trainers, aware of Cherrygrove as a whole or not, have yet to make it out that far.
Cherrygrove Beach
Almost as soon as they made it to the beach, the pair heard something. "Pom! Pom! Pom!"
"What is that?" James asked.
"It's sounds like an Aipom." Jimmy had turned and pointed it out as he recognized that cry. "Something seems to be making it upset."
True to his word, an Aipom was running along the beach clearly upset by something. Both trainers rushed over to see what was wrong and if they could help.
Jimmy knelt before the normal type, managing to get them to stop. "Whoa, it's okay Aipom." He began scratching the neck which did slightly calm the normal type. "We'll figure out what's wrong and help you through this."
Now that the normal type wasn't as frantic, James noted a pink pokemon was chomping down on one of the fingers Aipom had on his tail. He moved around the normal type and grabbed the pokemon, which almost immediately let go of Aipom in surprise.
This brought a sense of relief to the long tail pokemon before it ultimately decided to scurry up Jimmy and perch on his shoulder. It was equal parts the fact that he was hoping for more neck scratches, and he wanted to be off the ground away from the pink menace.
"Hm, you want to hang out with me for a bit?" Jimmy asked.
The normal type nodded in agreement. "Aipom!"
"Well, alright then." Jimmy had fond memories of his father's Ambipom, so he had no problems letting an Aipom hang out. "Stick around for as long as you like." He then looked at James, who had taken to checking over the pink pokemon. "Oh, it's a Snubbull!"
"I thought as much." James nodded before setting the fairy pokemon down. "Though, they're usually a kind and caring pokemon deep down. That begs the question of why this one was chomping down on another pokemon?"
"That is a good point." Jimmy stated.
They both looked at the fairy type as it stared at James in a semblance of awe, something unlike how Spheal had stared at him when they first met, yet there was a sense of familiarity to it.
"It's looking at me in way that makes me think there's a connection." James investigated Snubbull's gaze. "I don't think I've ever had any form of significant interaction with a Snubbull though." At this point, Snubbull ran off. "Snubbull!"
The pokemon suddenly ran of and entered the nearest alleyway, to both trainers' confusion.
"That is one strange Snubbull." Jimmy commented. "Are you sure you haven't met one before?"
"I'm positive." James shook his head. "I can't think of an interaction with one that would be significant."
"In that case, perhaps it's best we let that one go off like it seems to want to." Jimmy stated. "Come on, let's find a place to train."
With James uncertain how he'd go about doing anything in relation to this Snubbull, he agreed with Jimmy; however, as the pair set off, Snubbull peaked at them from around a corner before ultimately following them from a safe distance.
Later…
The beach was vacant, which was about what Jimmy had expected. It confirmed that anyone in Cherrygrove, for the Pokeathlon or gym, likely were sticking as close to the pokemon center as possible. It's likely what he'd have done had they not ended up traveling with this group.
While James was the most knowledgeable in treating pokemon, Ash and Serena were no slouch themselves. From what the Johto native had heard, that was down to a chance meeting with someone named Melody, back in Kanto, who taught them a lot in that area.
"This looks as good a place as any." James noted. "What's say we start with a one-on-one battle?" That drew the relatively new trainer's attention. "Not to worry, I'll use my least experienced pokemon to even the odds."
Jimmy had been a bit worried he'd have to face Croagunk since he was clearly no slouch. The Johto native didn't think the fighting/poison type was on par with what he's seen from Ash's Pikachu or Serena's Sylveon, still one should not underestimate Croagunk.
With the assurance he was off the table, Jimmy smiled. "Alright, you're on."
They parted ways before facing one another.
"Since I challenged you, it's only fitting I send out my pokemon first." James selected the pokeball and smiled at it as the pokemon within had just recently taken to being carried like the rest. "Togepi, I choose you!"
The pokemon James had raised all these months, and recently began training as they entered Johto, appeared with a happy little dance. The fairy type was ready to battle, just like all the pokemon in their group and especially like the pokemon his daddy used.
"Togepi are fairy type, meaning Murkrow would be at a disadvantage." With that in mind, Jimmy knew he could only make one selection. "Go, Cyndaquil!"
Jimmy's Cyndaquil appeared ready for combat.
James vs Jimmy
"Let's start with leer." Jimmy commanded.
"Togepi, counter with growl." James ordered.
Cyndaquil leered at the fairy type while Togepi growled at the fire starter, though the spike ball pokemon was cute rather than threatening. Regardless, the desired stalemate still resounded as Togepi's defense lowered a stage, and Cyndaquil's attack followed suit.
"Given's Ash's understanding of status moves, I should have expected as much." Jimmy smiled. "Alright, let's step it up a notch. Cyndaquil, get in close and tackle."
"Togepi, fight back with your pound." James commanded.
Cyndaquil charged the fairy type while Togepi reared back his fist in response. As the fire starter attempted to slam into him, the spike ball pokemon pushed his fist forward to make contact as the two were once again stalemated, though damage was assuredly dealt to both sides.
That wasn't exactly what Jimmy was aiming for. "Now that they're close, use ember."
"Togepi, hold strong and use ancient power." James instructed.
Cyndaquil spewed forth a sphere of fire, hurting Togepi, but the fairy type managed to weather the attack before pushing the fire type away with levitating stones that dealt significant damage to the fire type as he was sent flying.
"Now, follow it up with another pound." James ordered.
"Cyndaquil, use smokescreen." Jimmy ordered.
Cyndaquil managed to land as Togepi rushed forward while rearing back his fist. The fire mouse pokemon expelled black smoke that blanketed the immediate area, holding Togepi as he coughed.
"Now, use ember." Jimmy stated.
"Togepi, keep your guard lowered on this one." James instructed.
The fire starter expelled a sphere of fire directly ahead, nailing Togepi, and since he wasn't on guard, it knocked the fairy type clear of the smoke. This also saw him taking more damage than he otherwise would have in the process.
"Alright, let's wrap it up with tackle." Jimmy ordered.
"We'll meet your tackle with a risk." James voiced. "Togepi, use metronome!"
Togepi suddenly recovered well and charged Cyndaquil head on. The spike ball pokemon proceeded to lay the smack down on the fire starter with power far beyond a mere pound. The fairy type had drawn close combat.
"Cyndaquil!" Jimmy exclaimed.
Togepi finished his combo with one last strike which sent the fire type before Jimmy's feet, his eyes containing swirls as he'd fainted. Togepi was left panting and exhausted, though clearly still conscious.
Beach
"You gave it a good shot Cyndaquil." Jimmy returned his starter, impressed with just how far they've come in such a short time, before noticing Aipom had stars in his eyes. "Looks like someone enjoyed the battle."
Aipom readily nodded. "Aip!"
Aipom wasn't the only one excited. Snubbull had watched from behind a nearby trashcan, and she was ecstatic. It wasn't long ago that she managed to sneak her pokeball from her trainer, smash it, and stow away on a truck with the sole intention of finding James.
He was all her owner would talk about to the point Snubbull could and had instantly recognized him upon their chance encounter. Her prior trainer was a joke who bizarrely loved James yet found fault with everything he was to the point Snubbull knew he had to be a better trainer.
That lady did train her, but she and that older woman, often around her, were content to treat the fairy type as a doll. The straw that broke the camel's back was the fact that her former trainer wanted Snubbull to marry another Snubbull by the name of Winthorp.
Given how Jessebelle could drone on about how she would marry James, even against his will, Snubbull should have seen such a thing coming her way. Now, Snubbull had gotten to see James in action, even though it was unintentional.
After all, their meeting had been chance which was something she didn't like as a first impression. It made her self-conscious, but in a way the fairy type was glad. She got to see James seemingly lived up to everything she'd thought about him.
Before Snubbull could run out to him, she stopped as James ran out and scooped Togepi into his arms with the proudest smile. "You were amazing Togepi!"
"Togeprriii!" Togepi declared.
The fairy type began to glow, to Jimmy and James' awe. Through their months together, James taking care of Togepi and said spike ball pokemon bringing him joy as a trainer, their bond grew. Togepi grew while becoming fully white.
A pair of wings sprouted from his body while the patterns he'd had as an egg, and retained as a Togepi, were still on his body. Naturally, James did take note of and adjust for the change in weight. Just as James' bond with Golbat allowed him to evolve, Togepi had followed suit.
When the evolution was done, the new pokemon looked tiredly at James. "Toge…tic…"
Evolution had taken the last of this pokemon's energy as he slowly drifted off to sleep with a smile.
"Return and take a well-deserved rest, Togetic." James stated happily, returning his fairy type.
Snubbull didn't think her impression of this guy could get any better, but she was wrong. That pokemon just went through evolution under his watch. Snubbull wanted that. She wanted to battle and grow stronger.
Not willing to wait a second longer, Snubbull rushed forth from her hiding place. "Snubbull!"
James turned to see the fairy type running towards him while Jimmy joined the breeder. "Is that the same Snubbull from before?"
The fairy type stopped before James and began jumping in excitement. "Snub! Snub! Snub!"
James smiled as he crouched on the pokemon's level. "Were you watching our battle from somewhere?"
Snubbull stopped jumping and nodded. "Bull!"
"I'll take it you were impressed." James guessed, causing Snubbull to leap at the breeder and knock him to the ground before licking his face. "That tickles!" He laughed. "Looks like you were excited by it to boot."
He eventually managed to get the fairy type into his arms and stand.
"Wow, your group has a knack for attracting pokemon." Jimmy stated.
James shrugged. "It's a talent you tend to cultivate hanging around us."
"Considering this Snubbull seems to like you, are you going to catch her?" Jimmy asked.
"I might as well." James voiced, making the fairy type happy, before he looked the pokemon's way. "What do you say Snubbull, want to join me?"
With James wanting to catch her, Snubbull now only wanted one last thing. She lept from his arms and took an aggressive battle stance.
"Looks like this is sort of a Teddiursa situation." James walked back while Jimmy caught on and moved to the side. "Alright, we can have a battle before I catch you." The breeder selected just the pokemon he wanted to use. "Croagunk, I choose you!" The poison/fighting type appeared, always ready to fight for his trainer. "Okay Snubbull, you can have the first move."
James vs Snubbull
The fairy type nodded before dropping onto all four limbs and running towards Croagunk. Snubbull then lept at the poison/fighting type while opening her maw.
"Croagunk, use poison jab." James ordered.
Croagunk moved in and slammed his poison covered hand into the fairy pokemon's chest. Snubbull went flying as the super effective move doled out one heck of a blow. The fairy type eventually hit the sand and scrapped along it before coming to a stop.
She was quick to stand, a little wobbly on her feet but still looking ready to battle. The fairy pokemon shook her head before charging in once more. Normally, that wouldn't be a surprise since it's clear Snubbull generally are better at close combat.
What was a surprise was the implication she was going for another bite. She leaped once more with her mouth wide open. While her teeth are sharp looking, James doubted it was going to be much stronger than the last one, if any stronger at all.
"Either she prefers bit, or it's the only move she knows." James smiled since he knew any pokemon could be strong with the right training, even one who only preferred or had one move. "Croagunk, use bullet punch."
The toxic mouth pokemon sped in and hammered home a steel covered fist that had similar, though lessened, power compared to what poison jab achieved. It ultimately resulted in Snubbull hitting the ground where she once again attempted to rise.
James knew this was his chance, so he grasped an empty pokeball. "Pokeball, go!"
The ball nailed Snubbull before sucking the fairy type in. While she struggled, hoping to battle a little longer, the pokeball eventually dinged to signify a successful capture.
Beach
James collected his new pokemon with a smile. "No matter where your skills lie now, you're with the right group if you want to become stronger."
"They make it seem so…" Jimmy began.
"Aipom!" The normal type declared.
The normal type hadn't thought of that but seeing Snubbull get captured certainly gave him the idea. He scurried down Jimmy's body before bopping a pokeball, which happened to be empty, and let himself be sucked in.
Aipom liked this human fine, and he didn't mind accepting him as a trainer. As such, the pokeball didn't even shake once before it dinged to signify a successful capture. All Jimmy could do was look at the pokeball in bewilderment.
"What did I say." James smiled as the Johto native looked his way. "Attracting pokemon is just something you cultivate by hanging with this group."
"I guess so." Jimmy smiled as he pulled out his pokedex. "Might as well see what this guy has."
Aipom, the Long Tail Pokémon. Aipom can climb and hang from branches using its powerful tail. As such, Aipom usually live atop tall trees.
Type: Normal
Ability: Skill Link
Sex: Male
Current Moves: Scratch, Tail Whip, Astonish, Bounce, Low Sweep
"With that taken care of, let's take a break." James stated. "I'll teach you a bit on how to tend to your pokemon, and we can get to know our new captures before jumping into training."
"Sounds great to me." Jimmy voiced, more than happy to take in knowledge.
Pokemon Center: Evening…
As agreed, the three groups ended up reconvening at the Pokemon Center before heading to the cafeteria where everyone informed each other about what happened that day. Ash and Danielle's visit to Mr. Pokemon which devolved into Ash bringing back Luca.
Serena finding the young Stantler, tending to him, and how she and Marina ran into Pryce. James and Jimmy spoke about their battle and how they each ended up making new catches of their own. Clearly, a lot had happened and most of it was processed.
Jimmy, Marina, and Danielle weren't exactly used to seeing/hearing what happened to Luca, they obviously hadn't been involved with Team Rocket last year, but the three experienced trainers were able to help them through it, even if they still hadn't liked what happened either.
Given what had happened with Luca, it gave everyone the general idea that they should call home. It was agreed, in not wanting to use all the video phones at the same time, that the group would split. After they ordered, Ash, Jimmy, and James moved to call home first.
Ash introduced Teddiursa and Larvitar to his mom. While the former was more outgoing, if a little miffed at being fawned over as cute, the latter was still relatively shy. He did manage to sit facing Delia but kept his head low. Still, it was progress.
James called his grandparents and began introducing them to the changes with his own team. Heracross, unlike Larvitar, was simple bashful at the attention he received while Snubbull enjoyed how these older people recognized her potential strength.
While they were naturally proud at how far James was coming along, they were overjoyed to see another definitive sign through his recently evolved Togetic. Given this pokemon has been with him for a while, they could truly praise just how far he's come as a breeder.
After his call, James did contemplate calling his father. "We've only really talked briefly since our last meeting in the Orange Archipelago."
James ultimately knew it'd be hypocritical of him to have told his friends they should give their wayward parents a chance without him doing the same. Ultimately, he made the call and got through to his dad at his desk.
"Andrew speaking." Andrew answered, having not looked up from his work to answer.
"Hey…" James stated uncertainly.
"Oh James, forgive me." Andrew sat up and immediately looked over. "I've been hard at work catching up with the business now that everything has been settled with your mother."
He clearly felt bad at having addressed his son so callously. Boy, was that still an adjustment on James' part considering how things have been with his parents as far back as he could remember.
"Maybe I shouldn't have…" James began.
"No, no." Andrew was quick to shut that down. "I…" He sighed. "Look James, I do have a lot of work, but things aren't like how they were, I promise you that. Never, under any circumstances, think I'm too busy for you.
That's not how I want things to be. I've already missed so much." Despite the oddity of this new status quo, James couldn't deny it felt nice to finally hear his father come around. "Enough about that. I'm genuinely glad you decided to call."
"I think I might be getting there myself." James thought with a smile.
It was still awkward, years of how their relationship had been wouldn't suddenly go away, but the two ended up having a nice talk. Andrew caught his son up on the fact that Lilian and he had divorced, though she seemed deluded into thinking he'd come back around.
Andrew genuinely did not want to keep pushing their son away, as they have been for years. While James had certainly made mistakes, through his own choices. Andrew recognized they'd had their hands in that where Lillian did not.
James found he was saddened as losing mom in this way did clearly pain his father, but that was tapered by not feeling as such for his mother. Regardless, he told his father about his adventures in Johto, and it was nice having him listen.
Compared to Ash, and especially James, Jimmy's call was the quickest out of the three. He showed his dad Cyndaquil, Murkrow, and Aipom. Ethan was proud of his son's accomplishments and showcased excitement to the point anyone could see where Marina got it from.
After Dinner
Once the group ate, the girls took their turn to call their folks. Even though Jimmy had already called their father, Marina still did as such knowing she could provide more in the way of what they've been up to and inform him of her capture.
She'd have also liked to speak with mom, but Jimmy and Ethan both confirmed she wasn't home at that moment. Danielle called Professor Elm, and it was a marginally brief call considering she didn't have much to report on. Serena called her mom after letting out Poliwag and Stantler.
The two pokemon were curious as to what was going to happen until Grace appeared on screen. "Ah Serena, nice to see you. How has Johto been?"
"It's been great." Serena responded with a smile. "I am going to compete in a Pokeathlon tomorrow, and I also want to introduce you to these two."
Serena gestured to her pokemon. Poliwag was on the desk and looked at the screen before taking all of two seconds to decide he liked this woman his trainer called mom. He stood up and waved before running about on the desk to display his energy.
Grace smiled before turning her attention to Stantler, who proceeded to hide behind Serena and peak out from there. She took a much longer time to study this woman, but ultimately this was Serena's own mom. She should be just as kind as Serena, right?
Eventually, Grace decided to greet Stantler since she wasn't making the first move. "Hello there."
Perhaps it was the fact this lady wasn't here like the rest of the group, creating some form of dissonance, but Stantler proceeded to hide behind Serena.
"Sorry, Stantler has had a hard time of it, so she's a little shy." Serena apologized, while managing to comfort the normal type.
"It's okay dear." Grace assured. "I remember a time you were shy and would hide… Especially around Ash."
"Mom!" Serena yelled out in embarrassment.
"Still, it seems both your Johto pokemon are polar opposites of each other. Poliwag is energetic, full of life, and outgoing while Stantler is shy and withdrawn. Regardless, I am sure they will both make great partners for you."
"Thanks." Serena stated, having recovered from the previous teasing.
"Anyways, good luck in your first Pokeathlon, but I must go now." Grace stated. "I've been invited to have dinner with Delia and Lily. Sorry to cut our conversation short."
"It's okay mom, have fun." Serena reassured. "Love you, bye."
"Love you too, dear. Bye." Grace replied before the screen turned black.
Morning…
Come morning, before heading out to train, Ash decided to visit Luca one last time. It was to finally clear the air, as he saw it, and to see him one last time since he was supposed to be transferred to Goldenrod Hospital for better recovery.
The rest of the group came with, and Luca was glad to receive that many visitors. "No one here should be looking glum." He noticed a few of the group didn't like seeing him this way, all of them likely felt that way but only a few were showing it. "After all, things could be worse."
Everyone at least tried to look better at him saying that.
"Hey Luca, I wanted to apologize." Ash held up a hand to stop him from talking. "Before I found you, I'd assumed you'd abandoned Skarmory. I'm sorry I thought that of you."
"No worries, mate." Luca smiled genuinely. "You were just looking out for Skarmory here, how could I begrudge anyone for that? Honestly, I'd have likely thought the same in your position."
The doctor entered and moved over to Luca's bedside. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's time we get going Luca."
"Right." Luca looked to the six trainers. "Sorry I don't get any time to know you lot, but Ash told me who you were yesterday. If any of you happen to be in Goldenrod, don't be a stranger at the hospital. Skarmory and I will welcome the guests."
From there, Luca returned his pokemon before he was put on a gurney and wheeled out.
The trio's on hand pokemon-
Ash's Pokemon
1. Pikachu
2. Wimpod
3. Teddiursa
4. Larvitar
Serena's Pokemon
1. Sylveon
2. Rhyhorn *Pink
3. Metapod *Pink
4. Poliwag
5. Stantler
James' Pokemon
1. Croagunk
2. Togetic
3. Spheal
4. Heracross
5. Snubbull
Been a minute since I could update this story, but whatever issue was keeping me from entering older stories has been resolved. Onto this chapter, Togepi to Togetic is a matter of friendship. Given how the two have been together for months, it feels natural that the first true battle is the thing to push them over the edge. I will say that Serena current does have a Shiny Stone, she recieved a full set of evelutionary stones back in a Knto plot point.
While some have been used, the Shiny Stone is one she still has. That said, I'm not one to just go and immediately evolve a pokemon. James will be settling with Togetic since the trio knows well that the potential to miss out on what a form can offer is something they wouldn't want. As for Snubbull, she didn't neccessarily need to be linked back to Jessebelle, but I feel its fitting given her prescence in this story has been increased due to James being a main character.
Nightshadegirl: Maybe I'll keep it as a Stantler.
Vital Info: While it's not said there are more than one officer jenny per city, we do more often than not see other uniformed officers. As for the Luca situation, Johto is just being hammered at this point between poachers, Team Rocket returning, and Team Snagem, who is working with Team Rocket, are working currently behind the scenes. It's a mess, and one I doubt any society would be well equipped to just get under control when things like this weren't happening prior.
Even back in Kanto, those Wes seemed on top of it, things were going down. Team Rocket was rooted in multiple places while Dark City was troubled for a while. As for the Skarmory thing, I will admit you were right on that front, so I removed that for the time being to properly let things rest on that front. As for what happens with Houndour, he's in Archer's hands. It's another matter like Ash's Teddiursa where the gang will have to be on the lookout for it.
